Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology faculty and staff members were recognized during the Institute’s annual Commencement Awards ceremony on May 28 in Hatfield Hall for outstanding service, advising, collaboration, leadership, and years of dedication to the campus community.

“This evening gives us an opportunity to pause at the close of another exceptional academic year and recognize several colleagues whose work reflects the very best of Rose-Hulman,” President Robert A. Coons said during the ceremony. 

The Excellence in Service Award was presented to the Admitted Student Weekend Planning Group for creating and launching Rose-Hulman’s first large-scale Admitted Student Weekend. 

The initiative brought together representatives from enrollment, academics, student affairs, public safety, residence life, communications and marketing, event planning, and other campus areas to create an immersive campus experience for admitted students and their families.

The event included classroom simulations, residence hall activities, information sessions, student organization interactions, and overnight campus experiences designed to help prospective students experience the personal attention and energy that define Rose-Hulman. 

“Their work reflects the collaborative spirit and student-centered mindset that continue to set this institution apart,” Coons said. 

The Shining Star Award, which recognizes an employee within their first five years of service who demonstrates exceptional leadership and contributions to campus life, was presented to Registrar Angie Smith.

Since stepping into the registrar role during a significant transition period, Smith has led several major initiatives to improve efficiency and the student experience, including implementation of Degree Works and development of a redesigned course catalog platform.

Colleagues praised her professionalism, collaborative leadership style, compassion for students, and commitment to finding solutions to complex scheduling and academic issues.

“One nominator perhaps summed it up best by saying, ‘She brought our energy back,’” Coons said during the presentation.

The Make a Difference Award was presented to Betsy Rodgers, analyst and data programmer, for her years of behind-the-scenes service supporting academic operations, reporting systems, student scheduling, and institutional data processes.

Rodgers was recognized for developing tools and reports that support academic departments, assisting with implementation of Degree Works, supporting federal enrollment reporting requirements, and consistently helping faculty, staff, and students navigate complex technical systems.

Colleagues praised her responsiveness, kindness, and willingness to support others, often describing her as an “unsung hero” whose work impacts nearly every area of the Institute.

“As she prepares for retirement, this recognition provides us with an opportunity to express our gratitude for the tremendous difference she has made at Rose-Hulman over many years of dedicated service,” Coons said.

The Dr. John T. Ying Excellence Award for Student-Faculty Collaboration was presented to Allen Holder, PhD, professor of mathematics, and the InteriArt research group of students Thor Catteau, Benjamin Glancy, Angela Milkowski, Alexa Renner, Connor Tasik, and Rebecca Testa. 

The group was recognized for interdisciplinary work blending mathematics, computation, engineering, and art through research, outreach activities, and artwork now displayed in Moench Hall. Members of the group also participated in outreach initiatives such as Sonia Math Day to help younger students view mathematics as creative and accessible.

Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards were presented to Adel Alhalawani, PhD, assistant professor of biology and biomedical engineering, and John Aidoo, PhD, professor of civil and environmental engineering.

Students praised Alhalawani for his compassionate guidance and support of first-year students navigating academic and personal challenges. Aidoo was recognized for helping students identify their goals and aspirations while supporting both academic and personal development throughout their time at Rose-Hulman.

Faculty promoted to full professor status were also recognized with Red Tams, which are worn with academic regalia during Institute ceremonies. This year’s Red Tam recipients included Ashley Bernal, PhD, Daniel Kawano, PhD; Kyle Kershaw, PhD; Eric Reyes, PhD; and Kim Tracy, MS. 

Faculty and staff members were additionally honored for milestone years of service to Rose-Hulman.

Recognized for 30 years of service were Timothy Chow, PhD; Danielle Merkel; and Daniel L. Morris, PhD.

The following individuals celebrated 25 years of service:

• Brian Dougherty
• Diane Evans, PhD
• John Gardner, PhD
• Dan Hamlin
• Marc E. Herniter, PhD
• Joshua Holden, PhD
• Richard House, PhD
• Michelle Kirkpatrick
• Merry Miller Moon
• Teresa C. Morris
• Brian Shearer
• Mario Simoni, PhD

 

These individuals were recognized for 20 years of service:

• Carlotta Berry, PhD
• Jake Campbell
• Patrick Cunningham, PhD
• Matt Davidson
• Craig G. Downing, PhD
• Kathy Kassissieh
• Terry Kistler
• Jennifer O’Connor, PhD
• Deborah Walter, PhD
• Allen R. White, PhD

 

Faculty and staff members honored for 15 years of service included:

• Ashley Bernal, PhD
• Crystal Deal
• Dave Goulet, PhD
• Sean Harris
• Daniel Hartner, PhD
• Daniel Kawano, PhD
• Matt Lovell, PhD
• Jeff Sokol
• Dan Tryon 

  

The following employees completed 10 years of service with the Institute:

• Timothy All, PhD
• Michael Baker, PhD
• Rebecca Bercich, PhD
• Steve Brady
• Christy Brinkman-Robertson
• Charlie Brown
• Robin Duncan
• Lori Frey
• Megan Heyman, PhD
• Chrissy John
• Kelli Lloyd
• Brooke Love
• Mark Meeks
• William Mobley
• Codey Pastorius
• Janice Raines-Head
• Matt Riley, PhD
• Kelsey Rissler
• Martha Schaffer
• Paul Shepherd
• Amy Simonson
• Chris Thompson
• Joe Wallace

Throughout the ceremony, campus leaders emphasized the important role faculty and staff play in advancing Rose-Hulman’s mission and creating a supportive, student-centered campus environment.